Amidst the growing threat of flooding in Ghana, the Ministry of Works and Housing has sounded a resolute call to arms, urging all stakeholders to unite in the battle against this menacing problem. The consequences of flooding, which plague the nation’s capital and other cities, have been catastrophic, inflicting pain on countless individuals, ravaging livelihoods, damaging properties, and crippling infrastructure.
From the heart of Accra, an official statement was released on Tuesday, wherein the Ministry expressed deep empathy for the suffering endured by its citizens due to these relentless floods. Standing steadfast in solidarity, they emphasized an unshakable commitment to confront this daunting challenge head-on. The rallying cry is clear: all stakeholders must join forces to construct a more resilient nation and safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and properties of every Ghanaian.
A pivotal directive from the Ministry is aimed at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). They are tasked with the vital responsibility of rigorously enforcing development controls, which translates to halting construction in vulnerable zones like waterways, wetlands, drainage buffers, and flood plains.
Furthermore, the Ministry has issued an urgent plea to its counterparts, including the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Highway Authority, and Urban Roads, urging heightened attention to the upkeep of roadside drains. Ensuring these channels function optimally is paramount in preventing blockages that exacerbate flooding during heavy rainfall.
In a bid to engage the broader public, the Ministry has called upon the media to play a more active role. Their pivotal mission is to raise awareness and promote responsible behavior among citizens. By educating the public about the perils of actions like disposing of refuse in drains and unregulated paving of compounds, the media can make a significant contribution to alleviating this pressing flooding issue.
Confronted with this mounting challenge, the Ministry of Works and Housing leaves no room for ambiguity – unity, action, and vigilance are the collective keys to a more flood-resilient Ghana.